Swanwick benefit brings in nearly $30,000

Community support garnered nearly $30,000 toward medical, travel and treatment expenses, above and beyond what is covered by insurance, for Tonya Swanwick of Centreville.

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By Wanda YoderJournal Correspondent

Sturgis Journal - Sturgis, MI

By Wanda YoderJournal Correspondent

Posted Apr. 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM

By Wanda YoderJournal Correspondent

Posted Apr. 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Centreville

Community support garnered nearly $30,000 toward medical, travel and treatment expenses, above and beyond what is covered by insurance, for Tonya (Hofmeister) Swanwick of Centreville. The benefit was held at Centreville Elementary School April 13.

Swanwick, 38, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a malignant and aggressive form of brain tumor in January, following an initial surgery. She was not able to attend the benefit as she was experiencing an infection, the result of a second surgery in early April.

Tonya, who was recovering at home, responded by email, saying, “I was very surprised at the numbers (from the benefit)...never expected that kind of turn out! I’m so thankful and grateful for the support. It means a lot that so many people are keeping me in their thoughts and prayers.”

Tonya said she was shocked at first by the diagnosis.

“I could not believe that they were saying the words that meant I had brain cancer,” she said. “Once I was over the initial shock and I began to think about my family and I made up my mind that I was going to fight this.”

Donations are still being accepted and may be made payable to the Nottawa United Methodist Church (federal ID number 32-0379021), adding Tonya’s name in the memo line. Mail to Nottawa United Methodist Church, P.O Box 27, Nottawa, MI 49075

According to a family member, Tonya’s medical journey began with a number of vague symptoms and headaches. The tumor was found through a visit to the emergency room at Three Rivers hospital on Jan. 28, resulting in a CAT scan. Her first surgery was completed Jan. 31 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. A biopsy was sent to Mayo Clinic for a diagnosis. After some research and referrals, Tonya and Paul traveled to Houston, Texas, for an evaluation at the renowned MD Anderson Brian and Spine Center in February. Tonya had a second surgery in early April. She recuperating at home when she developed an infection and received treatment at the University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor. She is currently back home awaiting a visit to Houston for intensive chemo and radiation therapy.

According to one of the organizers Lisa DeLeo, secretary at the school, 900 people attended the benefit. Approximately 720 pasta dinners were served to Tonya’s friends, co-workers and family that came out to show support for her.

The auction was another successful part of the evening. Tonya’s brother-in-law Marcus Gleaton, served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for items donated by local businesses, friends, family and community members.

A wide range of items included home furnishings, hand knitted scarves and blankets, hand sewn quilts, gift certificates, 31 specialty bags, cheesecakes from Cakes By Candice and sports memorabilia including many signed items from the Cowboys, Lions and Red Wings, a signed basketball jersey, a basketball signed by Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks, a Marc Zona fishing basket and Kevin Van Dam items.

Page 2 of 2 - Matt Thornton, a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, has been highly supportive of the Centreville community, and donated a personally used baseball glove, signed by Thornton.

Also according to DeLeo, family members Paul and Tonya were kingpins in organizing memorabilia T-shirt, bake sale, children’s games, face painting, dinner and kitchen stations.

“We could not have done this without their wonderful support. We are so fortunate to have so many generous family and community members to help support Tonya in her brain cancer fight,” DeLeo said.